Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Ross College-Canton
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Ross College-Canton's dental support program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—roughly the 40th percentile among Ohio programs—but costs significantly less than many alternatives. At $9,500 in debt, graduates enter the field with manageable loans and see their earnings climb 15% by year four, reaching $27,565.
The first-year earnings of $23,957 trail stronger Ohio programs like Stark State ($32,023) and ATA College-Cincinnati ($29,032) by a meaningful margin. That gap matters when you're making student loan payments on entry-level wages. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 is reasonable for a certificate program, and with 82% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves students who need an affordable entry point into dental careers.
The practical question is whether saving money up front justifies accepting below-average earnings. For students who need to minimize debt or can't access the higher-performing programs nearby, this could work. But families who can access Stark State or similar alternatives should seriously consider the extra $4,000-8,000 in annual earnings potential—that difference accumulates quickly over a career and makes loan repayment considerably easier.
Where Ross College-Canton Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Ross College-Canton graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ross College-Canton graduates earn $24k, placing them in the 37th percentile of all dental support services and allied professions certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (37 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross College-Canton | $23,957 | $27,565 | $9,500 | 0.40 |
| Stark State College | $32,023 | — | $10,563 | 0.33 |
| ATA College-Cincinnati | $29,032 | $25,853 | $12,930 | 0.45 |
| Choffin Career and Technical Center | $27,733 | $23,075 | $9,500 | 0.34 |
| Fortis College-Centerville | $26,550 | $27,933 | $14,167 | 0.53 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Niles | $25,352 | $25,183 | $9,500 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $25,255 | — | $9,500 | 0.38 |
Other Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stark State College North Canton | $4,670 | $32,023 | $10,563 |
| ATA College-Cincinnati Cincinnati | $14,075 | $29,032 | $12,930 |
| Choffin Career and Technical Center Youngstown | $12,889 | $27,733 | $9,500 |
| Fortis College-Centerville Centerville | $14,023 | $26,550 | $14,167 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Niles Niles | — | $25,352 | $9,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ross College-Canton, approximately 82% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 146 graduates with reported earnings and 175 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.